West Virginia Gold Star Mothers honor sacrifice

NEW HAVEN — A new flag is flying at the New Haven Park following a presentation Saturday by the West Virginia Gold Star Mothers.

The Honor and Remember Flag was presented by Shirley White, state president; Emma Johnson, sergeant-at-arms; and Vickie Ashley-Matics, chaplain. Accepting the flag on behalf of the town were Mayor Jerry Spradling and Chief of Daily Operations Matt Shell.

Although the actual presentation took place at the Gold Star Family Memorial in Hartford, the flag was later raised at the park. It will join the American Flag in flying over the park cannon and war memorial.

Also attending and representing military organizations were James McCormick, junior vice commander of the Military Order of the Purple Heart of West Virginia, and Ray Varian, commander, Stewart-Johnson V.F.W. Post 9926 of Mason.

White said the State of West Virginia adopted the Honor and Remember Flag in March 2016. Each detail on the flag symbolizes a part in the flag’s message. The red field represents the blood spilled by military men and women. The white border recognizes the purity of sacrifice. The blue star is for active service in military conflict, while the gold star stands for the ultimate sacrifice of a warrior who will not return home. The folded flag signifies the final tribute presented to the family for their loss, and the flame is an eternal reminder of the spirit that has departed this life but burns on in the memory of all who knew the fallen hero.

The West Virginia Gold Star Mothers is a service organization of mothers who have lost a son or daughter due to defending our country, either in combat or as a result of that service. The group serves veterans and their families, teaches lessons of patriotism, and honors the memory of the fallen, among other projects.

For more information on the Honor and Remember Flag, visit www.HonorandRemember.org. Additional information on the American Gold Star Mothers can be obtained at www.goldstarmoms.com.

Shirley White, president of the West Virginia Gold Star Mothers, is pictured as she tells about the Honor and Remember Flag presented to the Town of New Haven Saturday. The flag will fly at the New Haven Park, along with the American Flag, over the cannon and war memorial. Pictured during the presentation, which was held at the Hartford Gold Star Family Memorial, are from left, Emma Johnson, Gold Star Mothers sergeant-at-arms; Vickie Ashley-Matics, Gold Star Mothers chaplain; James McCormick, junior vice commander of the Military Order of the Purple Heart of West Virginia; White; New Haven Mayor Jerry Spradling; New Haven Chief of Daily Operations Matt Shell; and Ray Varian, commander, Stewart-Johnson V.F.W. Post 9926 of Mason.

http://www.mydailyregister.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2017/08/web1_8.29-PPR-Gold-Star.jpgShirley White, president of the West Virginia Gold Star Mothers, is pictured as she tells about the Honor and Remember Flag presented to the Town of New Haven Saturday. The flag will fly at the New Haven Park, along with the American Flag, over the cannon and war memorial. Pictured during the presentation, which was held at the Hartford Gold Star Family Memorial, are from left, Emma Johnson, Gold Star Mothers sergeant-at-arms; Vickie Ashley-Matics, Gold Star Mothers chaplain; James McCormick, junior vice commander of the Military Order of the Purple Heart of West Virginia; White; New Haven Mayor Jerry Spradling; New Haven Chief of Daily Operations Matt Shell; and Ray Varian, commander, Stewart-Johnson V.F.W. Post 9926 of Mason.